Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced the handover of 348 modern flats to coastal families displaced by sea erosion and the Vizhinjam International Seaport project, marking a major milestone in the state’s Punargeham housing initiative. The move fulfills a key promise to provide secure, dignified living conditions for the state’s fisherfolk communities.
“Another promise to our fisherfolk fulfilled,” Vijayan posted on his official X account on Thursday. “Under the Punargeham project, 332 flats at Muttathara and 16 at Unnial, Tanur, have been handed over, ensuring safe, modern homes for those affected by coastal erosion and the Vizhinjam project.”
Launched by the Kerala government, the Punargeham scheme aims to rehabilitate families impacted by environmental challenges and development projects along the state’s coastline. The newly allotted flats, located in Muttathara (Thiruvananthapuram) and Unnial (Malappuram), are equipped with essential amenities, including electricity, water supply, and sanitation facilities, designed to offer a sustainable and improved quality of life.
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The Vizhinjam International Seaport, a flagship infrastructure project, has displaced numerous fishing communities due to land acquisition and port-related activities, while recurring sea erosion has further eroded coastal habitats. The Punargeham initiative addresses these challenges by relocating affected families to modern housing complexes, ensuring their safety and access to livelihood opportunities.
Local leaders and community representatives have welcomed the handover, noting that the flats provide a stable foundation for families who have faced uncertainty. The government plans to continue expanding the scheme to cover more displaced families, with additional housing projects in the pipeline. Vijayan emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting its coastal communities, stating that further efforts will focus on sustainable development and climate resilience to protect vulnerable populations.
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